Last night Warner Bros. announced Ben Affleck to be the new Batman with the internet virtually exploding. Petitions were launched, and all the social networks lit up with people’s opinions. Whedon, in addition to directing The Avengers 2 and consultant to Marvel Studios, is no stranger to Batman as he pitched WB his own take on the character.

Recently Joss Whedon even said that if he could get his hands on anybody his choice would be Batman. Obviously Warner Bros. didn’t go with Whedon’s take on Batman (and actually canceled his Firefly series on the same day they declined), but we see the director holds no grudge by offering his support for the direct competition. Any chance Whedon’s support for Ben Affleck as Batman will quell the fans backlash? Nah, we didn’t think so either, but still class act of Whedon to say so.

Also in other ‘Man of Steel’ news, cosmicbooknews.com are reporting that Lex Luthor has been cast in the Man of Steel sequel.

Bryan Cranston has been cast as Lex Luthor in what is said to be at least a six “appearance” deal (think of Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury popping up in every Marvel movie in the run-up to Avengers) and may be as high as ten.

The announcement is said to be made after the Breaking Bad’s season Finale. Regarding Ben Affleck, it is stated that he has allegedly a 13-appearance deal for Batman.

DC is going to have all of their main characters liberally appearing or at least mentioned in all of their movies to portray a more connected world than what Marvel Studios has done so far. DC also does have major interest in bringing Matt Damon into the Justice League now that Affleck is on board, and it is rumored that he is being considered for Aquaman or Martian Manhunter.

The Hollywood Reporter offers some insights as to the internal thoughts behind bringing Ben Affleck on board.

It is stated the Christopher Nolan situation had a large hand in getting Ben Affleck for Batman. It’s said Nolan offered Man of Steel to Affleck, which Affleck declined to direct. The report states Nolan had a large role in the Man of Steel with post-production as well as bringing Zack Snyder on board.

Apparently, Snyder was the one who reached out to Affleck. It’s also said with Nolan busy shooting Interstellar, that Affleck’s talents as a director and actor will be beneficial on set.

Perhaps the biggest reason for Ben Affleck deciding to do Batman is that the pressure really isn’t on him as much. THR notes that since the 2015 movie is a sequel to Man of Steel, that any potential under performance issues won’t land on his shoulders. While it’s not specifically stated in the article, Superman fans can assume that the movie will be more focused on the Henry Cavill storyline (seeing it’s a sequel).

Now regarding Henry Cavill, THR states that Henry Cavill is not thought of as an actor who can carry a franchise, as he is still up-and-coming. The report also states Ben Affleck as Batman lines him up to star and potentially direct Justice League.